The definition states that if 20% or more of the occupants experience symptoms which disappear while away from the building, then the building can be said to be sick. Some of the symptoms may be:
While it is said “in a building”, it can also mean in a department or in an office.
In general, once persons experience these or other symptoms while in the indoor area, this is your first indication that something is wrong with the space.
There are wide and varying reasons. Since the 1970s buildings have been designed to minimize cooling and heating loss through gaps in the building envelope. This resulted in tighter buildings which also “kept contaminants in”.
The majority of the air quality problems with buildings arise from the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air-conditioning) system. This can be with the initial design (which is not given proper consideration), the maintenance (the frequency as well as the depth) which always tend to be lacking, changes in the indoor area (new offices, new departments, increase in number of staff), and activities occurring within the space (photocopying, laboratories, even high occupancy amongst others).
The cause should be investigated to determine the root cause so viable, long-term solutions can be sought.
Identifying mould in your office may involve visual inspections for visible mould growth, musty odours, or signs of water damage. Those allergies that act up as soon as you enter your workplace may be the effects of mould that can’t be seen.
Mould can pose numerous health risks, including respiratory issues and allergies. If you suspect mold, it’s advisable to consult professionals for a thorough assessment.
Sygma Environmental offers mould assessments to ensure a safe and healthy indoor environment. We test the area to determine the presence of mould, the type of mould and the levels at which it is present. If found to be at unacceptable levels, we can conduct remediation. This removes the visible and invisible mould in areas that are accessible and inaccessible and also treats any spores that may be existing in A/C ducting.
However, the key to mould treatment is to ensure it does not recur. As such, we also conduct studies to determine the root cause to recommend preventative measures that should be put in place to prevent the recurrence.
Duct cleaning is ideally recommended twice a year. Indoor air quality monitoring should be conducted every time duct cleaning is conducted.
A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2) and other carbon compounds, that are emitted directly or indirectly by an organization in its operations or a product throughout its lifecycle. It is a measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of their contribution to climate change.
Measuring an organization’s carbon footprint is crucial for understanding and managing its impact on the environment. It helps identify areas of high emissions, allowing businesses to implement strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. This not only demonstrates environmental responsibility but will also reveal areas of inefficiency and wastage. By measuring its carbon footprint, a company can actually implement cost saving measures as well as enhance their sustainability metrics thereby becoming a more responsible, progressive organization. All in all, it results in a win-win for all.
Additionally, in the near future, the ability to sell goods, products or services to the international market, to lend or borrow money and in general, operate in a global mindset will be influenced and determined by a company’s carbon footprint. It will be one of the single most significant metrics an organization will have to report (in addition to sustainability) that will determine how it navigates it’s prosperity in the global changing landscape.
Feel free to give us a call to discuss how to go about having your organization’s carbon footprint measured in a manner that conforms to ISO standards and able to withstand scrutiny and audit.
In Trinidad and Tobago, noise pollution is regulated by the Environmental Management Act, Chapter 35:05. The Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2001, set specific limits for various noise sources. Compliance with these regulations is essential to ensure a healthy and peaceful environment.
We can measure both environmental noise (that your company may be having on your surroundings or vice versa) and occupational noise (the sound level within your facility to determine effect or workers).
All monitoring is done in a manner so that results will be useful to you in reducing levels, can be reported to the EMA, and if necessary, used in a Court of Law.
Bioremediation can effectively treat a wide range of pollutants, including oil and petroleum hydrocarbons, oily sludges, and various industrial chemicals. Using naturally occurring microbes, we can restore these to their former state without damage to the environment.
The frequency of audits depends on various factors, including regulatory requirements, the nature of the business, and changes in operations. Sygma Environmental provides guidance on establishing an appropriate audit schedule.
We understand that each client has unique needs. Sygma Environmental conducts thorough assessments to tailor our services to your specific industry, location, and regulatory requirements. Our goal is to provide solutions that align seamlessly with your business objectives.